Trigger finger

Who does it affect?

Patients notice a tender swelling below the finger or thumb with a "snap" when they try to bend it. Most are seen in older patients, but can occur at any age. It is common in diabetics.

Investigations

A specialist clinical examination is usually sufficient.

Non-surgical treatment

Initial treatment is by steroid injection and often this is all that is required.

Surgical treatment

If this is not successful, or if the condition reoccurs, then a minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic is performed to free up the tendon. Diabetic patients do better with surgery straight away.